Obesity in teenagers

Consequences

The recent studies of American scientists have once again confirmed that teenage obesity imposed a deep imprint on the development of young body and its future life. Obesity in adolescence increases the risk of diabetes and contributes to health problems, namely for the cardiovascular system. It was also established that obese teenagers suffer from kidney disease, bronchial asthma and musculoskeletal system more often than teens with normal body weight.

Diagnosis of obesity

Obesity can arise in children almost of any age, but adolescence is the most critical period when sexual maturation begins. This period brings sharp changes to both physical and mental state of teenagers.

The diagnosis of obesity in teenagers involves the calculation of the body mass index (BMI). This index helps to determine the disease degree. For objective examination, the doctor uses anthropometry, taking the anthropometric measurements.

Anthropometry is the measurements of common physical indices of an adolescent, such as body weight, height, chest and abdomen circumference. Sometimes, the doctor uses special method of skinfold measurement.

The problem of obesity in teenagers lies not only in the sedentary lifestyle and improper diet, but also in some other factors. There is number of psychological factors that may cause obesity in teenagers and prevent the weight loss. For instance, these are worries about the school performance, family’s health, relationships with friends and family.

It is known that mates are usually very rude with overweight children and teens, laughing at them and avoiding them in public. Children feel and suffer all that negative attitude and think that something is wrong with them, that they are defective. As a result, such teenagers find a relief in comfort eating. Unfortunately, tasty or usually the high-calorie and sugary food is the one they choose the most.

Often teenagers suffering from obesity have low self-esteem a lot of complexes and communication problems.

Obesity leads to prolonged depression and other mental issues in teenagers more often than in adults. Each parent must help his child to avoid obesity situation and overcome all difficulties that come along with it.

Treatment of obesity in children

The main approach of childhood obesity treatment is a complex of the following measures:

Change of lifestyle

Diet therapy

Drug therapy

Adequate physical loads

Prevention of obesity

Usually, to prevent obesity in teenagers, all you got to do is provide them with proper and nourishing diet, increase the physical loads and organize an active day regimen.

In neglected cases of obesity, doctors usually prescribe a drug treatment. No less important thing is a psychological atmosphere in the family, because a child needs to feel care and help, as well as praise for success and some reward presents, like for example something tasty.

Parents should send their children to sports; stimulate their striving for an active life. By the moment a child becomes a teenager, he will get used to physical exercises and sports will be a part of his life, which gives nothing but positive effect on the body shape.

Do not overstrain the child’s body with fatty, wholesome foods not to provoke obesity. Try not to buy such junk foods as chips, lemonade, French fries or any other fast food.

If a child is prone to overweight, his or her parents must make sure their kid sticks to healthy eating. Usually, all the family eats together, so parents should reconsider their whole menu.

Parents can influence eating preferences of their children and prevent the rise of obesity by personal example.